Principal Building Control Surveyor

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Job Description

Job Reference

Job Title Principal Building Control Surveyor – Specialist level

Service Place & Growth Team Building Control Solutions

Location Shute End

Reports to

Team Manager

Responsible for Mentoring of less experienced colleagues.

Grade Type of position: Date

G11

Permanent

Full Time

June 2024

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work required of the post to indicate

the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list, and the line manager may vary duties from time to

time which do not change the general character of the job, or the level of responsibility entailed.

Service Purpose

Building Control is a statutory service within local government that is required legally to achieve a self-financing position and be competitive with private sector Building Control providers. It ensures compliance with the Building Regulations through its plan checking and site inspection activities. All practising Building Control Surveyors must achieve and retain their Registered Building Inspector status through ongoing competency assessments by the Building Safety Regulator. Building Control Solutions is a shared service that has responsibility for the Borough of Wokingham (WBC) and the District of West Berkshire Council (WBDC). Delivery of effective and efficient services offering good value for money. he emphasis is to ensure a safe, healthy, and sustainable built environment through the delivery of a customer focused, efficient service which can remain competitive. Building Control Solutions is a self-funded service with a ring-fenced budget. WBC and WBDC currently deal with approximately 2500 applications per year which represents a market share of approximately 50%. The focus is to maintain a resilient building control service and grow its positive reputation, attracting new business and increasing its market share. The Service also undertakes Building Regulations Enforcement, deals with dangerous structures and other licenses, and seeks to develop stronger links through working with other regulatory service to achieve shared goals.

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Purpose of the role

To undertake technical assessments/activities (on Bands A to C building types) and make decisions on those assessments, using skills that would have been gained through qualifications and practical experience, to effectively deliver the Building Control function throughout the Council’s jurisdiction and as part of any partnering or similar scheme, ensuring buildings comply with the relevant regulatory standards in terms of health, safety, sustainability, energy conservation, accessibility and design. To be able to effectively manage a range of projects involving premises of any type, height, size, form of construction and method of design – including any premises that will be within the scope of the Building Safety Act, examining plans and carrying out site inspections, initiating and dealing with enforcement action. Assessing dangerous structures and implementing immediate remedial works. Where appropriate and within limits of competence to provide supervision and management of the work of others within the Building Control sections management framework. e.g. trainees, assistants and surveyors not having the appropriate band of competence. The effective implementation of the Building Control function as part of an area team and the enforcement of Building Regulations and Acts relating to building construction, to ensure a satisfactory standard of works and compliance with Building Control law throughout the shared service in accordance with policy aims and objectives, business plan and marketing strategy.

Main Accountabilities

1 To discharge the council’s building control powers and duties in accordance with the Building Act 1984 and other legislation and to provide appropriate and proportionate advice to the responsible officer concerning decisions about compliance with the Building Regulations etc in relation to Bands A to C buildings – and being within the limits of the post holder’s competence.

2 Based on nationally validated competence, without direct supervision, manage a portfolio of Bands A to C development sites (including new applications, regularisation and reversion applications) and maintain proper records, for plan appraisals and site inspections, the evaluation of work/remedial action, working within a framework for inspections of domestic projects to ensure compliance with current Building Regulations, Building Act 1984, allied legislation and technical standards.

3 Within the limits of nationally validated competence provide accurate information, advice, and professional support to businesses and/or individuals, in accordance with the inspection framework or through ‘spot checks’ and ensure appropriate action is taken to comply with legislation and technical standards, seeking advice as necessary from senior colleagues.

4 Both inside the band of nationally validated competence, or outside of it under supervision, investigate and conclude matters, including the control of demolition, dangerous structures, contraventions and unauthorised works and initiate and assist with enforcement action, including the issuing of notices, to ensure compliance with the appropriate legislation and the Council’s obligations under the Building Act 1984 and be available to partake in the “Out of Hours” rota. The post holder will be expected to prepare evidence to be deposited with the council’s solicitors and where necessary attend magistrates court as the council’s expert witness in associated enforcement cases. All actions, taken whilst compiling reports on continuing work and decisions taken for the health, safety and welfare of the wider community will be notified to the management team.

5 Maintain nationally required Registered Building Inspector (RBI) status with the Building Safety Regulator through continual assessment of personal competency, recording of professional experience, CPD activities and regular external validation through the BSCF examination process.

6 Building control professionals must register with the Building Safety Regulator to perform building control work within England. Minimum hold of RBI registration with the Building Safety Regulator for Class 3. Working towards and achieve registration with the Building Safety Regulator for Class 4 within a 2-year period and continue this form of validation and registration throughout employment at WBC.

7 Always comply with the requirements of the Building Safety Regulator Code of Conduct for Registered Building Inspectors. This code sets out the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of RBIs. Registered Building Inspector (RBI) is a protected title. It is a criminal offence to impersonate, or to allow someone to

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believe you are, an RBI if you are not registered. A breach of this Code of Conduct, or conduct which brings the profession into disrepute, may lead to disciplinary action, including the cancellation of your registration.

8 Maintain compliance with the Building Safety Regulator Building Inspector Competence Framework. The building inspector competence framework (BICoF) has been introduced to provide a clear, structured framework to demonstrate competence for the whole building control profession, both in the public and private sectors. Competence reflects the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours required of individuals performing their role as an RBI.

9 RBIs must recognise the boundaries of their competence and when specific projects should be managed by a building inspector with a higher competence or when specialist support, for example, from a structural or fire engineer, may be required.

10 Within the limits of competence support and supervise, in accordance with the management framework, other members of the team including, where agreed, the delegation of plan checking, site inspections and other duties. Play an active role in the development of the Trainee/Assistant/Building Control Surveyors, providing support, advice, and guidance in an approachable manner.

11 Respond to changes in workload and changing priorities by carrying out the role in a flexible manner which may include working extended hours, at the beginning and/or end of the day.

12 Establish and maintain appropriate links with building professionals, providing an excellent customer-focussed service (either face-to-face or other appropriate form of communication) and assist with the development of the building control service and with the exploration of new and expanding markets to encourage new and repeat business.

13 Liaise and/or consult with external agencies, stakeholders, statutory undertakers, members of the public, contractors, professional persons, elected members and internal departments as necessary to ensure a seamless team approach to the provision of guidance, advice, and service delivery.

14 To undertake risk assessments on structural calculations to determine acceptability and request enhanced checks by specialist when required.

15 To undertake site inspections and apply judgement and knowledge to assess compliance of works, negotiate solutions and influence outcomes or instigate enforcement actions as appropriate.

16 To respond to and deal with dangerous structures which may involve major incidents and liaise with emergency services and other external bodies to apply appropriate solutions through personal decision making.

17 To act as a professional witness for the Council in legal proceedings.

18 To positively contribute to a “team working ethos” by means of a strong, efficient, and effective performance culture with a focus on service excellence and customer satisfaction. To help to promote an enthusiastic, positive, and professional atmosphere within the Building Control Team and to help to provide a customer and stakeholder focussed approach.

19 Understand the vision, values, and strategic priorities of the Council so that Officers are engaged and motivated to deliver the Council’s strategic and service priorities and objectives.

20 Actively pursue personal development of skills, knowledge, and competency necessary for effective performance in the role, for the team, service, and authority.

21 To participate in the team’s development and implementation of its Quality Control Management System (QMS) to ensure quality controlled activities are consistently carried out in accordance with adopted procedures. Undertake auditing role of the service’s operational processes and procedures. Contributing to the continued registration of the service’s Quality Management System to ISO 9001.

Supervision Received

- Reports to the Team Manager who oversees the day-to-day operational management

of the surveying team within Building Control Solutions. Receives regular 1 to 1’s

usually at six weekly intervals and annual appraisal. General advice and guidance on

technical policy and interpretation of the Building Regulations is given by the Team

Manager.

Supervision Given − To assist in the education, training and gaining of experience of all team members.

Development and training of less experienced and qualified staff on all aspects of the

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building control function, when designated i.e., Trainee or Assistant Building Control

Surveyors.

Contacts & Working Relationships

− Regular contact with officers of the Authority at all levels, Council Members, other Local

Authorities, statutory bodies, members of the public, applicants, agents, building

contractors and the emergency services. To ensure a high quality, best value service is

developed and maintained in competition with the Private Sector Building Control Bodies.

− High levels of possible conflict situations with service users, requiring appropriate people

management skills to deal with difficult situations.

Management of resources or budget

- Contributes to the achievement and maintaining of a self-financing Building Control service.

Special Factors

− High levels of possible conflict and confrontational situations with service users, requiring

appropriate people management skills to deal with difficult situations.

− Must have the ability and competency to make professional judgements in respect of

compliance with Regulations and allied legislation, which often have far reaching effects

and potentially serious financial/ health and safety implications.

− Must have the ability to make ‘on the spot decisions ‘whether the building work should

continue or not, or whether they are dangerous, both under pressure.

− Must have financial awareness skills, as the service has a statutory responsibility to be self-

sufficient and self-financing over a three-year rolling period.

− Must hold a Clean Driving License. Ability to travel to a variety of locations in borough with

use of own vehicle with appropriate business class insurance undertaking inspections.

− Must be able to undertake full range of building control inspections including climbing

ladders up scaffolding or down into foundation trenches.

− Able to work from home.

− Must be able to work occasional unsociable hours.

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Organisation Chart

Person Specification

Focus on describing the qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience an individual will require to successfully undertake

the role. These should be split between essential and desirable.

Qualifications Essential Desirable

− 5 GCSE level (A*-C) to include English

and Maths, or equivalent (or

appropriate experience)

E

− RICS or CIOB accredited degree,

ONC/HNC or equivalent experience in

surveying or building related discipline.

− MRICS/MCABE/MCIOB or equivalent

chartered status with relevant Building

Control bias and evidence of achieving

CPD requirement.

− Registered Building Inspector status at

Class 3 with the Building Safety

Regulator

− Working towards and achieve

registration with the Building Safety

Regulator for Class 4 within a 2-year

period and continue this form of

E

E

E

E

Head of Service

Building Control Team Manager

Building Control team of

surveyors

Business Manager

Senior and Support Officers

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validation and registration throughout

your employment at WBC.

−

Technical Skills. Essential Desirable

− Registered with the Building Safety

Regulator as a building inspector, with

demonstrable competency to work:

A. without supervision on domestic

projects (Level 6 of the LABC Detailed

Competency Matrix or its equivalent) or;

− Effective written, oral, communication

and presentation skills with the ability

to maintain accurate records.

− Experience of working with contractors

and consultants in a service delivery

environment.

− Technically competent individual who

demonstrates logical methods of

working, shows attention to detail, and

provides clear professional advice to

customers.

− Ability to understand architects’ plans,

undertake site inspections; compile

reports and keep written records to

justify decisions made in relation to the

practical application of the building

regulations, within the context of

investigation by the Building Safety

Regulator and the personal liability

imposed upon all Inspectors by the

Building Safety Act.

− A range of good ICT skills including

efficient keyboard use to produce own

correspondence, email management,

data input and use of relevant office

programs and software.

− Effective interpersonal/ people skills,

self-motivated and a productive team

player, able to co-ordinate work

activities to maximise service delivery.

E

E

E

E

E

E

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− Ability to think and act with a pragmatic

and creative approach to problem

solving difficult issues, breaking these

down into manageable parts and think

through the implications of decisions.

Able to work flexibly and adapt to

changing priorities.

− Ability to work on your own initiative

with minimal supervision within limits of

competence. Effectively prioritise own

workloads to ensure customer

satisfaction. Set challenging goals for

self and identifies opportunities and

barriers and deals with them to achieve

service delivery.

− Excellent organisation skills in a service

delivery setting. Well organised and

with excellent time management skills

and the ability to work to tight

deadlines, maintaining accuracy and

diligence.

− Able to influence in a positive manner

and support others with new ways of

working to ensure business objectives

are achieved.

− The post holder must be able to

demonstrate, using the competency

framework, the ability to carry out the

duties and tasks commensurate with

competency level 6.

E

E

E

E

E

Knowledge Essential Desirable

- Demonstrate good knowledge of

the construction industry,

methods, techniques, and

materials.

- Excellent knowledge of legislation,

regulations, and professional codes

of practice for the service area,

including the operational

standards and rules set by the

E

E

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Building Safety Regulator and

legislation relating to construction

and the Health and Safety at Work

(etc.) Act 1974 and associated

Building Control functions offered

by a Local Authority.

- A good knowledge of building

techniques and building trades

used in domestic buildings, both

traditional and non-traditional,

including timber frames and PRC

construction.

E

Experience Essential Desirable

− Experience in Building Control, working

on Band A to C buildings, together with

post qualification experience.

− Experience of providing high standards

of customer service across a range of

diverse activities.

E

E

Other Essential Desirable

- Energetic and driven individual

that demonstrates a solid work

ethic.

- Ability to maintain good working

relationships with stakeholders at

all levels, representing the

authority in an effective and

professional manner.

E

E

E

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- Confident and self-motivated with

an aptitude to think laterally.

- Excellent interpersonal &

communication skills supported by

‘a can do’ and right first-time

attitude.

E

Completed by: Roger Paine Date: June 2024